World Class Trains
THE ROYAL ORIENT
Described as "one of the world's most exotic trains" The Royal Orient travels through two of India's historic and culturally rich States, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
This 'travelling palace' is itself steeped in the history and ambience of the era of the Maharajas, with passenger coach interiors reflecting the grandeaur of that one-time golden age of British rule.
Departing from Delhi on a 7-night adventure, The Royal Orient delivers anything but an ordinary train journey, as it passes through great contrasts in landscape and visits several cities and towns capable of sending any history aficiondao into fits of hysterical delight.
While the train occupies centrestage in this excellent ducumentary, the sideshow is definitely a standout - India - at least two fascinating areas of it.
Not for the technically minded (as far as the train is concerned) beyond mentioning that The Royal Orient begins its journey drawn by two steam locomotives - a purely ceremonial touch - and is drawn by diesels for all but 2-hours of the 7-night trip. But that's okay, for there is good coverage of the passenger coaches and the onboard service and facilities.
As with other titles in this World Class Trains series, a high quality production with professional narration and animated maps and chapter selections.
Very good from a 'train' point of view - brilliant from a 'history' point of view.
Review by Trevor Hennigan
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